Overhead power lines

Overhead Power Lines
Employees working near power lines risk exposure to electrical
hazards. Employers should take precautions to eliminate the
hazards.
What programs does the Department of Labor have in place to prevent electrocutions?
Free training: Workshops, training and consultation in both English and Spanish.
Publications: Brochures and industry guides that address electrical hazards.
Investigation Process
What triggers an investigation by the N.C. Department
of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division?
• A worker’s death.
• Hospitalization of three or more employees.
• The department may also receive information of a
fatality or catastrophe from media reports or referrals
from other government agencies.
How is the NCDOL OSH Division notified?
• An employer must notify NCDOL within eight hours
of a worker’s fatality or the hospitalization of three
or more workers.
What will the investigation focus on?
• The investigation will usually be limited to the
events surrounding the accident unless observations
at the site indicate a broader investigation is needed.
What will happen during the investigation?
• An OSH investigator will go to the accident site and
collect physical evidence, including photographs.
• The investigator will interview employees, witnesses
and management officials about the accident to
determine its cause.
• Any violations of safety and health standards will be
noted and citations will be issued.
How long will the investigation take?
• An investigation can take anywhere from a few
weeks to six months, depending on the complexity
of the accident.
When are investigation results disclosed?
• Citations and penalties, if issued, can be released to
the public on the issuance date.
• Other contents of the file cannot be released until the
case is closed or final order on citations is rendered.
The Investigation
OSH investigators will seek to determine several
factors, including whether:
• Employees maintained a distance of at least 10 feet
when working near overhead power lines.
• Employer conducted a jobsite survey to identify haz-ards
such as overhead lines.
• Conductive ladders were not used near overhead
lines.
• Employees were trained to recognize and avoid haz-ards
such as overhead power lines.
• Employer designated one person to observe the clear-ance
of equipment operating near overhead lines.
• A buddy system was in place for work near overhead
lines.
• Employees working near potential electrical hazards
wore proper personal protective equipment.
Cherie Berry, Commissioner
N.C. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Division
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1101
www.nclabor.com
1-800-625-2267
Standards: 29 CFR 1910.269, Electric Power Generation,
Transmission and Distribution
Industry Type: General Industry
Accident Type: Electrocution
Statistical Data: In 2012, 35 workers died on the job,
including four electrocutions.

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Overhead Power Lines
Employees working near power lines risk exposure to electrical
hazards. Employers should take precautions to eliminate the
hazards.
What programs does the Department of Labor have in place to prevent electrocutions?
Free training: Workshops, training and consultation in both English and Spanish.
Publications: Brochures and industry guides that address electrical hazards.
Investigation Process
What triggers an investigation by the N.C. Department
of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division?
• A worker’s death.
• Hospitalization of three or more employees.
• The department may also receive information of a
fatality or catastrophe from media reports or referrals
from other government agencies.
How is the NCDOL OSH Division notified?
• An employer must notify NCDOL within eight hours
of a worker’s fatality or the hospitalization of three
or more workers.
What will the investigation focus on?
• The investigation will usually be limited to the
events surrounding the accident unless observations
at the site indicate a broader investigation is needed.
What will happen during the investigation?
• An OSH investigator will go to the accident site and
collect physical evidence, including photographs.
• The investigator will interview employees, witnesses
and management officials about the accident to
determine its cause.
• Any violations of safety and health standards will be
noted and citations will be issued.
How long will the investigation take?
• An investigation can take anywhere from a few
weeks to six months, depending on the complexity
of the accident.
When are investigation results disclosed?
• Citations and penalties, if issued, can be released to
the public on the issuance date.
• Other contents of the file cannot be released until the
case is closed or final order on citations is rendered.
The Investigation
OSH investigators will seek to determine several
factors, including whether:
• Employees maintained a distance of at least 10 feet
when working near overhead power lines.
• Employer conducted a jobsite survey to identify haz-ards
such as overhead lines.
• Conductive ladders were not used near overhead
lines.
• Employees were trained to recognize and avoid haz-ards
such as overhead power lines.
• Employer designated one person to observe the clear-ance
of equipment operating near overhead lines.
• A buddy system was in place for work near overhead
lines.
• Employees working near potential electrical hazards
wore proper personal protective equipment.
Cherie Berry, Commissioner
N.C. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Division
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1101
www.nclabor.com
1-800-625-2267
Standards: 29 CFR 1910.269, Electric Power Generation,
Transmission and Distribution
Industry Type: General Industry
Accident Type: Electrocution
Statistical Data: In 2012, 35 workers died on the job,
including four electrocutions.